Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he is ‘still in love’ with Manchester United

Still in love: Ronaldo admits he still loves Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted his former club Manchester United still mean a lot to him, and he is saddened at the thought of having to go up against them in the Champions League.

The Portuguese will make his first return to Old Trafford when United host Real Madrid in a last-16 second-leg tie on March 5.

The forward left Sir Alex Ferguson’s side for the Bernabeu in 2009 in a world-record £80million deal.

‘I still have a great feeling of friendship and love for them, they are a team that have done a lot for my career,’ said Ronaldo.

‘The fans know me well and I have a lot of friends there that I keep close to my heart. But now I’m defending Real Madrid’s colours. It’s a bit of a sad feeling I guess. But I want to score, and for us to win, and that would make everything better.’

His current team are 16 points behind Spanish table-toppers Barcelona and Ronaldo has been linked with a £60m return move to United.

Ronaldo is still adored by Manchester United fans (Picture: Getty)

The 27-year-old, however, will not discuss his future until he has helped revive Real’s fortunes.

‘That subject has already been spoken about. I won’t talk about my contract renewal any more, it’s not important. The most important thing is winning our next matches,’ he added.

‘We are contesting La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League and it’s important that we all stick together.’

‘Right now I’m feeling more comfortable with the fans – not just at the Bernabeu, where I’ve always felt good, but outside too.

‘They’ve shown me a lot of love. I want to pay them back in the best way possible, which is playing well, giving my all and helping Madrid to the top.’